Office hours: I will be available
right
after class for questions. In general, I encourage you to use
email for any questions you
have; I will respond to email fairly quickly.
We can then set up follow-up appointments as needed. I will
also
be sending email to the entire class for any clarifications, etc.
Please make sure you are receiving email from me.

TA:
TBA

Texts:
No one text will be followed. Weber/Arfken, ESSENTIAL
MATH.METHODS
FOR PHYSICISTS,
is recommended as a general text. Class notes are
posted at
http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~hassam/374/classnote/
SINCE THERE IS NO TEXT, IT IS ESSENTIAL YOU ATTEND THE
LECTURES.

Approach: We will concentrate on the
essential physics of the first 3 texts listed above.
We will assess what math methods are required for mastering this
physics
and
develop a working knowledge of these methods. Mathematica (or Matlab,
etc)
will be used where appropriate. Some math methods introduced are:
ODE's, coordinate systems, vector analysis, PDE's,
function spaces, approximation methods, coordinate transformations,
symmetry, relativity.

Grading: (Tentative) There will be 2 Midterms and a
Final, and regular homework.
All will count towards the grade.
The breakdown will be roughly as follows: Midterms 45% , HW
25%, Final 30%.